Overview & Reviews

Originally known as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Svenska Aircraft Company), Saab is a Swedish company that began manufacturing automobiles in 1949. The company's early designs placed an emphasis on aerodynamics that is reflective of its history as an aircraft manufacturer.

The first production Saab, the 92, boasted a lower coefficient of drag than many modern cars. The 93, unveiled in 1955, was powered by a three-cylinder, 33-horsepower engine, and featured the distinctive fastback profile that made early Saabs among the most recognizable cars on the road. By the time the '50s drew to a close, Saab's lineup had grown to include the 95 wagon (capable of seating up to seven) and the 93 750 Gran Turismo, the automaker's first series-built sports car.

The marque started the '60s with the introduction of its successful Saab 96. With a production run of 20 years, this was the car that made Saab a recognized presence in the international market. The decade also saw the launch of the Saab Sport coupe. Scoring numerous wins on the rally circuit, the coupe marked Saab as a force to be reckoned with. The Sport's success on the track inspired a name change; it later came to be known as the Saab Monte Carlo 850. The Saab Sonett II sports car, with its body of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, also made its debut during the '60s, as did the Saab 99, which was the first Saab to feature the manufacturer's trademark wraparound windshield.

In 1973, Saab gave birth to the 99 Combi Coupe. The car came to define the Saab brand; with its hatchback and fold-down rear seat it offered remarkable utility. By the end of the decade, Saab had rolled out the 99 Turbo, which was a forerunner in harnessing turbo technology for use in production cars. The company also introduced the Saab 900, which held the distinction of being the first car to offer a cabin air filter.

During the 1980s, Saab cars (especially the Turbo models) gained American popularity as young urban professionals (yuppies) sought them out. The decade saw the launch of the 900 Turbo, the 900 Turbo Aero (the world's first car to offer a 16-valve turbo engine), the 900 convertible and the Saab 9000, a larger four-door car available in hatchback, and later on, sedan body styles.

In 1990, General Motors bought half of Saab's automotive division. The decade saw the launch of a revamped 900; the car offered a bevy of cutting-edge safety features, including three rear three-point seatbelts and rear side-impact protection. By the time the '90s drew to a close, Saab had also unveiled the 9-5, a larger, premium four-door sedan that essentially replaced the 9000. The 9-5 offered a host of new technologies such as ventilated seats. It was also the first to offer Saab's active head restraints, a system designed to prevent whiplash injuries.

By the 2000s, General Motors had bought the other half of Saab Automobile. Despite the brand's position on the leading edge of safety technology, Saab's popularity in the U.S. and around the world waned as its product portfolio grew increasingly stale and reliant on GM for parts, platforms and design. New models like the 9-2X and the 9-7X were based on platforms borrowed from other brands -- Subaru and Chevrolet, respectively. Meanwhile, the 9-5 soldiered on and the second-generation 9-3 ditched its quirky hatchback body style in favor of a mainstream sedan design. The hope was to make the 9-3 more appealing to American car buyers, but ultimately it only served to remove the car's unique personality.

In the midst of General Motors' financial difficulties and eventual bankruptcy, Saab was viewed as a disposable, troubled asset and essentially cast away. With the financial assistance of a European bank and the Swedish government, Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg intended to purchase Saab with the promise of restructuring the brand and keeping production within Sweden. That deal fell through when Koenigsegg changed its mind about becoming involved with such a troubled company. Another niche-market supercar company, Spyker Cars, pursued the purchase of Saab. But that venture eventually failed as well and ultimately, at the end of 2011, Saab went into "wind-down" mode, filing for bankruptcy. In other words, Saab's future is still very much in limbo.

User Reviews:

• 

  More Than I Expected - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By barron von costume - March 7 - 11:13 pm

  I purchased my 2005 9-3 Arc from Enterprise Car Sales. I had read extensive reviews online about how great the car handled, accelerated etc. I was a little shy when I was behind the wheel with the salesman riding shotgun. I could tell right away that this car had a lot more power than I was willing to let out. Once I picked the car up off the lot however, I let it fly. I had perma-smile the second my foot hit the gas - this thing can fly! Once the turbo kicks in my head snapped back a little and I was in love. The features and the customization of the driving experience are also a big reason why I love this car. Overall a great car and a great value ($1500 under KBB value- thx Enterprise!!)

• 

  Fast, fun and functional. - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By menzo - March 6 - 6:56 pm

  This is the definitive Saab. Best Saab ever, only the 78 99 turbo compares. It is not a typical 9-3. It has improved suspension, wheels, brakes, aerodynamics, seats, electronics, computer settings for the engine (higher horse power). Overall it is a pleasure to drive. Instant acceleration, great cornering, handling and control when braking at high speeds. Because of the high torque it does have torque steer which is most noticable at lower speed acceleration. 31+ mpg highway - 29 mpg country road commute. This car is for you if you enjoy windy country roads taken at fast speeds.

• 

  worst car ever! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By c - March 6 - 7:40 am

  This car has been to 3 different Saab dealerships 39 times in 2 years! It has had 2 computers, 2 transmissions, a crankshaft even a new engine! The car quickly became very uncomfortable and Saab is the worst manufacturer to admit that they have very poor design and build quality. If someone wants to sell you a Saab or even give you one, run, even a free one would end up costing a fortune! They have had to tow this car and loan or rent us one more often than we have driven ours!

• 

  Great Value, Sweet Swedish Ride! - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By martinigop - March 6 - 3:46 am

  Just purchased a new 9-5 Aero after owning a 2003 BMW 525i for the past 3 years. My BMW corners better then the SAAB, but I find the 9-5 much more fun to drive. A comparably equipped 5 series is nearly $60K! Having driven both cars, the BMW is not enough better then then the 9-5 to justify the difference in price. The critics are dead wrong about this car. In my humble opinion I think its still one of of the best looking cars on the road. My SAAB turns far more heads then my BMW ever did. There are definitely a few quirky features on the 9-5, but I think it adds to the whole "coolness factor" of the car. If money is not a factor buy the BMW, otherwise save the bucks!

• 

  Great Sleeper! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Eric - March 4 - 10:26 am

  Just completing 3 years of ownership and still love to drive it. Looked at A4, 3 Series, etc and settled on Saab as the quirky underdog. But for the price (around $30k out the door at the time), much faster than similar priced cars, and none of the BMW snooty/arrogance in the in the image. More often than not, people are surprised by the power, the speed off the line, and the PASSING POWER - love driving this car on highways (great seats, good size, great visibility for a modern car...at least the sedan is, not sure of wagon). Not for those wanting quick respect from other "car people", but lots of fun if you want a practical compromise and still have a blast on an interstate.

• 

  9-5 Aero Sportwagaon Automatic - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Anthony - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. I am a 31 year old single male and I dive a wagon!. I traded my GMC Jimmy in for the SAAB because I wanted something more luxurious that was sporty, good on gas and could haul my stuff from HomeDepot. I got it all and in a very sexy (at least I think so) package. The car had a few issues when I picked it up but they all were taken car of in a prompt manner by the service department. I would give the service department an excellent rating and the sales department a moderate rating. My sales man was not well informed about the cars features and suggested I try things out to see if they worked. I hope the car proves to be reliable.

• 

  Meets Expectations - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Baron - March 2 - 9:40 pm

  Got an automatic linear with the ESP, Harmon-Kardon Audio, memory steats, etc. package. Smooth and sporty feel even with snows (these make the car as good as a 4WD in winter where originals are sketchy) Improved suspension from old 9-5 helps but it still understeers a bit. Great trunk room which is key since I went from a pickup to the 9-5.

• 

  First Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By pcdrj - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Saab. The car has been very reliable so far at 61000 miles. Performance is Ok. It could definitely use more power. Economy is so-so at about 21 mpg. Handling is too soft. Turning radius is poor. Interior room was pretty. Trunk space and rear seating is good. Front seats are as comfortable as Ive. Console infringed on leg room a bit too much. Interior ergonomics leave a lot to be desired. Needs more/better cup holders. Computer is useless. Climate control worked well but need easier controls. Paint quality was poor and difficult to keep clean. Wheels were impossible to keep clean unless you wash them at least once a week.

• 

  Saabs Are Awesome - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By yertle - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Saabs are very good cars and are very fast. They are also very comfortable too.

• 

  Nothing But Praise - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Copa - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car. If you want a good size wagon with great performance, the Saab Aero is it. Bigger than the 540 wagon and much less than either the BMW or Audi. The best bang for the buck.